What does the Bible say about being a good example?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers are called to display Christlike faith and conduct so that others may see God’s goodness and give Him glory. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 that our light should shine through good works, while 1 Timothy 4:12 urges believers to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This example is not self-righteous performance, but the fruit of being renewed by God’s mercy and transformed in mind (Romans 12:2). Ephesians 5:1-33 calls Christians to imitate God in love and holiness, and Titus 2:7 commends integrity in teaching and life. God also warns that companions shape character (1 Corinthians 15:33), and calls parents to train children faithfully (Proverbs 22:6).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- Ephesians 5:1-33
[1] Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. [3] But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; [4] nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. [5] Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. [7] Therefore don't be partakers with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, [9] for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, [10] proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord. [11] Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. [12] For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. [13] But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that is revealed is light. [14] Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." [15] Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18] Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Lord; [20] giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; [21] subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ. [22] Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. [24] But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; [26] that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, [27] that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. [29] For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; [30] because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. [31] "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh." [32] This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. [33] Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
- Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- James 4:17
To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
- 2 Timothy 2:15
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
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